I am starting out as an interior designer and would like to know if there are any books/magazines/web sites that you can recommend for useful design ideas.
All of the resources that I've seen are only showing pictures of lavish, very fancy homes and extremely expensive products. I am looking for something more down-to-earth,. My clientele is not wealthy. They are the normal folk, looking to make some nice improvements in their normal homes.
I want to learn useful information – good tips for beginners. For example, ideas for maximizing space, working with light, understanding colors, etc...
Would really appreciate your suggestions!
P
I provide design service to similar clientele and I take inspiration from magazines and books that show these lavish picture. That itself is a great marketing tool for you. You can tell your client I can make your space look like this but for much lesser!!!
1. As a beginner one of the things you should do is find a mentor in the field, HT is a great ...»
2. Create a brand, since you are doing cost effective design make sure your brand says just that. Creating a brand can be difficult, but take help from somebody for website development, marketing and branding. It costs money to do all this so take it step by step. My website has been in the making since 2 years and I think it is still not ready. (www.urbanmotifs,com). I don't have the money to splurge but I take baby steps and I know I will have a complete website one day.
3. Write a blog yourself, about cost effective design. "Practice what you preach" and do things to your home and write about it in your blog.
4. Pinterest and Houzz.com are great ways of getting inspired for free and learning what's latest in among other designers. You can also use Pinterest as a tool. I use it as a mood board and present boards to my client that suit their taste. It kinda helps me learn what my client likes and dislikes.
5. Join a forum of designers
6. Volunteer your services for an established designer
7. Network with related professions, communicate with people in the industry you never know, your electrician may get you a project one day!
8. The design industry can be very challenging and to keep afloat keep learning, you may have to learn several other skills and not keep all your eggs in one basket. "Diversity" is the name of the game.
These are the things that came to my mind, but feel free to holler anytime you need help, I'll be glad to talk. I started out in 2009 and the journey has not been easy. But all I can say it follow your passion and have a plan.
Good Luck!!!
I'm also interested in knowing if there are any good books on the subject that you would recommend (or are books a thing of the past - especially in design, an ever-changing field)?
@Pamela, Books are always good but the design world is fast paced, so keep book on your table for inspiration but carry an IPad with picture from travel, magazines and books. Buy books for basics like business for interior designer, to understand the insides, books explaining colors and color ...»
There is a vast difference!
http://www.kasswilson.com/category/blog-desi...
You can always stay current on HGTV sights, free and easy to navigate. (Designed to Sell being one of my favorites!!!) I also get a ton of ideas from Southern Living magazine. You can also make your own resource guide--take pictures of rooms or ideas when you see them--download to web and be your own inspiration--remember, you are the pro and the clients are trusting your likes/taste as well.
Keep me posted on how you are doing.
In many places, it is illegal to call yourself an interior designer without the proper credentials and licensing, just as it is to call oneself an architect or doctor without. same Find out the rules before plunging in
My apologies if I'm incorrect, but Mr. Nichter is spot on; you could find yourself in a world of trouble, costing thousands (if you're lucky) or ten's of thousands in liability. Are you insured? Errors & omissions? Are you incorporated or an LLC, working for yourself? ...»
My advice would be to catch on with an established firm where you can truly learn the ropes, and experience all sides of the business. How spaces work and colors play with each other may be lower on your list of priorities than you think.
Maryland does have a Board of Certified Interior Designers (http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/cid) but as to specific information as to when you must be licensed and if that is the only way to use the title "interior designer", I cannot advise specifically as I am not licensed in MD. There is a link to the Maryland law there too. It appears from a quick 2 minute read that there are different requirements depending on what you want to do. Some webpages indicate MD is a title state and you must be licensed to use the title CID.
My suggestion would be to visit a ASID meeting (there is a Maryland chapter) and study their website for info. http://www.mdasid.org
There is also the NKBA which also has a Baltimore chapter. http://www.nkbabaltowash.org
These organizations can help provide you with good information as well as great networking opportunity and education on new products and other tips. If you get to know people, you have potential resources to discuss how they handle matters. These groups also offer certifications that are helpful credentials and great knowledge about issues you may be facing.
At some point you also need a good local attorney with knowledge of these issues. A few dollars spent upfront for a good contract and to make sure you do not unintentionally violate licensing laws is well spent and can save you thousands later. An initial hour consultation with an attorney (like me) can provide a lot of information and be very cost effective.
Hope this helps.
Great post!
@Mike - It's not so clear on that site that Md. actually requires licensing for all design work. It is very vague, and it is a site for a school. I would like to know from a gov't source.
But thanks for alerting me - I will keep researching...